US ambassador says she is finding it 'increasingly difficult' to explain America's democracy

Comments coincide with a new poll, revealing support for Donald Trump to be at a record low

Qatar's Minister of Defence Khalid bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah (R) welcomes US Defence Secretary James Mattis (C) and US Ambassador to Qatar Dana Shell Smith (L) at his residence on April 22, 2017 in Doha, Qatar (Getty Images)

A US ambassador has said she is finding it "increasingly difficult" to explain her country's democracy to foreigners.

Dana Shell Smith said on Twitter that it was hard to wake up to news from America, which she suggested was becoming more and more difficult to justify abroad.

The ambassador to Qatar later clarified that she had simply meant defending the US political system "can be tough when partisan acrimony [is] so high", but, she added, she still believes there is "no greater country" than the United States.

Her comments coincide with a new poll, revealing support for Donald Trump to be at a record low

Ms Smith tweeted: "Increasingly difficult to wake up overseas to news from home, knowing I will spend today explaining our democracy and institutions."

In two days her tweet was liked almost 7,000 times.

A day later, Ms Smith posted a follow-up that appeared to address accusations from American Twitter users that her comment was not patriotic or appropriate for a US ambassador.

She clarified: "Diplomats explain & defend our political system. Can be tough when partisan acrimony so high, but there is still no greater country. #USA"

Some Twitter users pointed out that, despite its flaws, the US is still far more democratic than Qatar, which is ruled by the unelected Al Thani dynasty.

In 2003, Qatar adopted a constitution that provided for the direct election of 30 of the 45 members of the Legislative Council, although the current council is composed entirely of members appointed by the Emir, who has final say on all matters.

However, Ms Smith may be finding it increasingly difficult to hold up the US as an example of a successful alternative; “idiot”, “incompetent” and “liar” are the words most commonly associated with President Trump in the minds of American voters, according to the recent poll, conducted by Quinnipiac University.

It found that just 36 per cent of American voters approve of the President, a near-record low for Presidential approval ratings.

A total of 56 percent of voters actively disapprove of Mr Trump’s presidency, while 61 per cent thought he was dishonest.

The poll was conducted just before the firing of FBI director James Comey, so approval ratings may have dipped even lower in recent days.

The President fired Mr Comey, who was leading an investigation into alleged links between Donald Trump's team and Russia, on Wednesday.